HOUSTON — Texans owner Bob McNair watched with admiration as the Saints celebrated their first Super Bowl victory.
McNair is confident coach Gary Kubiak will lead the Texans to one very soon.
The Texans announced Wednesday that Kubiak has signed a contract extension that runs through the 2012 season, a vote of confidence after the team finished 9-7 — the first winning record in the franchise’s eight-year history.
“We have a foundation in place,” McNair said. “We don’t have to go out and establish the foundation, which is what we’ve been doing the last eight years. We’ve got some outstanding players, and we just have to keep building on that. In evaluating where we were and looking at our coaching situation, I believe Gary can take us to the Super Bowl.”
Houston is 31-33 in Kubiak’s four seasons, though the team is still seeking its first playoff berth. Previous to joining the Texans in January 2006 after a 2-14 season, Kubiak was the Broncos’ offensive coordinator for coach Mike Shanahan.
“Bob has taken a hard look at where we were four years ago and where we are today and with that, made the decision that we’re heading in the right direction,” Kubiak said. “I want to finish what I started. We still have a long way to go, but I’m enjoying the work. I’m enjoying the challenge.”
Cromwell rejoins Rams
ST. LOUIS — Four-time Rams Pro Bowl defensive back Nolan Cromwell is back with the franchise as wide receivers coach.
He replaces Charlie Baggett, who left St. Louis after one season to be assistant head coach and wide receivers coach at Tennessee.
Cromwell spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Rams when the team was located in Los Angeles.
Footnotes.
Former assistant coach Gil Haskell was hired to be Browns president Mike Holmgren’s senior adviser.
• The Bills hired Doug Whaley to be the team’s assistant general manager and director of pro personnel. He joins the Bills after spending 11 years with the Steelers, the last 10 as the team’s pro scouting coordinator. The Associated Press
